Faith based word names have dominated popularity charts for centuries: think Grace, Faith, and Hope. More recently, word names with botanical roots such as Ivy and Lily are getting a lot of use for girls, and occupational word names like Mason and Carter are topping charts for boys. But as commonplace as word names can be, they can also be unanticipated show-stoppers when it comes to more obscure choices, conjuring up dazzling imagery. Although I personally would confine most of these options to the middle spot, they can appeal as first name material for parents who are willing to embrace a truly unique moniker for their little one on the way without wanting to sacrifice the ease of having a name that will be spelled correctly.
Fable- This literary name is composed from the sounds of climbing vintage Faye and Mabel, but without the popularity. Fable has yet to even approach the top 1000, despite being a word name with the vintage and cozy feel that is undeniably trending at the moment for both boys’ and girls’ names.
Linden- With floral monikers like Lily and Rose being overshadowed by the much trendier tree names Juniper and Willow, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Linden climbing the charts in upcoming years. A possible successor to London, this nature name has a lot of potential for both genders.
Solstice- A lunar name fit for either gender, Solstice has great potential to grow in use, following in the footsteps of celestial superstars Luna and Nova. Given that the solstice is met by many with picnics, parades, and festivals, this appellation also has positive and celebratory connotations.
Blue- Put in the public eye by Beyonce and Jay Z’s daughter Blue Ivy, Blue has become a common celebrity baby middle name choice. So far, parents haven’t followed suit enough to make a dent on Blue’s nonexistent popularity, but I have a feeling Blue is just one more high-profile birth announcement away from exploding.
Glade- Although Glade shares sounds with the violent words blade and raid, the imagery of a mystical forest with rays of light streaming in through the leafy trees is too good to resist. Glade is, in my opinion, better as a boy name, but I can see this name going to either gender.
Breeze- An environmental update on mini moniker Bree, Breeze has a soft and carefree ambiance along with minimal popularity. A fresh middle name option or a distinctive first name choice, Breeze has refreshing connotation and an attention-grabbing ‘z’ sound.
Sparrow- A modern approach to past bird names like Robin, Sparrow has both the trendy ending in o sound (Harlow, Milo) and the unisex nickname Perry. Suitable for either gender, although it does tend to lean team pink, Sparrow covers a lot of bases in terms of what many want in a baby name with ties to the natural world, a unisex nickname, and a trending sound.
Viola- After claiming a spot in the top 50 in the late 1800s, Viola took a nosedive and has never made a resurgence. With Violet on the rise, it’s only fitting that Viola will see some use as well. Feminine, but not frilly, and simply spelled, it’s surprising Viola hasn’t already joined the top 1000, given the fact that the more adventurous word names Queen, Promise, and Treasure have ranked in the top 1000 for years.
Finch- Finch is an upbeat bird name that, despite trendy nickname Finn, has gone completely under the radar. Even though sound-alike words flinch and pinch aren’t necessarily pleasant, I still think Finch could possibly make his way onto the charts.
Harvest- This autumnal name also has the potential to appeal as a full name for a more popular nickname. Harvest is an excellent and obscure route to Harvey for parents who adore the appeal of a rare name but also desire a fallback nickname in the case that their child doesn’t quite desire such a bold name in the future.
I hope one of these obscure word names caught your eye, whether you find daring names darling or would barely consider them for the middle.
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
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